I have a large and varied group of friends. I count myself very privileged to call many of them best friends. People I have walked journey’s with over many years. People who have supported me in times of stretch, struggle and disappointment. If I went through each story by story, the pain, the tears, the struggle of the last few years has been terribly tragic.
Story after story of heartbreak.
Story after story of tragic loss.
Many stories.
If I could start to tell you their stories now, compassion would rise and perspective would be gained at the intensity of the lives that we all live together.
I have realised as I get older and the more human lives I encounter, the deeper the sense of loss and pain I find mixed in with their greeting.
We all have pain.
We all have loss.
All of our stories are completely different and some of our stories are marked with more tragedy than another, but each of us has felt the bitterness of losing hope and disappointment.
How do we keep pressing on despite the pain?
How do we make new decisions to stop focusing on the past and lean hopefully into the future?
I believe we need to do both.
Process the past and hope for a better future.
Last night I heard a really challenging message that strengthened this belief I have. One of the main scriptures from this message was from the book of Philippians, the message.
12-14 I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.
I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.
Are you facing backwards dear friend?
Has pain, tragedy, disappointment, hurt, people, kept you in a holding pattern?
Are you swimming in one of those resistance pools and you feel like you are not getting anywhere, year after year?
Are you longing for breakthrough?
2014 can be that season of breakthrough, I believe it. I honestly with every fibre of my being believe that new and great promises are ahead.
Take time to talk with a friend, ask for prayer, take time to meditate and let go of that which holds you back.
I created a list of questions that I do every year at this time: Reflection Pages
Maybe these will help you?
Also I have started something called #inspire14 where people all over the world are deciding to do something very simple every day of 2014. I am drawing and writing in a visual diary and posting it online.
Sometimes, all that is required for breakthrough is a small decision, repeated over and over again, to march you into a new place, a new time, a new season.
My prayer at this time of transition between 2013 and 2014, is that you would find the confidence to confront that which is weighing you down and find the hope to press onwards towards the prize and the calling for which you were born for.
All my love
Amanda
Ps- tomorrow is the closing date for my creative internship applications, if you have been meaning to apply, it’s not too late.
